Russia March 2021: Haval first ever Chinese brand to crack Top 10 in market off -5.7%

Haval sales are up 77.2% year-on-year in March. Picture zr.ru

The Russian new light vehicle market steps back -5.7% year-on-year in March to 148.676 units, leading to a year-to-date tally off -2.8% to 387.322. Both brand leaders Lada (+3%) and Kia (+1.3%) defy the negative conditions to improve their share to 22.7% and 13.5% respectively, with Hyundai (-3%) containing its loss in third place. In contrast, Renault (-14.5%) and Toyota (-18.3%) both suffer, as does Nissan (-24.6%) further down. Skoda (-1.2%), GAZ (-4.1%) and Volkswagen (-5.6%) manage to lose less ground than the market, but just.

The big event this month is the 10th place of Haval (+77.2%). This is believed to be the first time in Russian history that a Chinese carmaker breaks into the Russian Top 10. Haval equalled the previous record just last month at #11. This month, Haval also eclipses its record volume (2.833) and share (1.9%). Keep in mind BMW and Mercedes don’t share monthly volumes anymore and would traditionally rank inside the Top 10. Other great performers this month include Chery (+194.2%), Geely (+85.2%), Peugeot (+50.5%), Ford (+21.6%) and Suzuki (+18.3%).

Over in the models ranking, the Lada Granta (+9.1%) easily retain the top spot with an improved 8.5% share above the Lada Vesta (-21.4%) reclaiming the 2nd place off the Kia Rio (-2.1%). The Hyundai Creta (+2.1%) is once again the best-selling SUV in the country above the Lada Niva (+32.2%) whose sales now include the facelifted ex-Chevrolet Niva and the Niva Legend, previously known as 4×4. The Hyundai Solaris (+40%) is helped by a new generation but is down to #5. The Skoda Rapid PA II remains the most successful recent launch at #9, followed by the Kia K5 breaking its ranking record at #14. Notice also the Kia Sportage (+35.2%) and Toyota Prado (+18.5%) notching generous gains in the remainder of the Top 25 while the Renault Duster slips out as the 2nd generation (finally!) launches in Russia.

Previous month: Russia February 2021: Skoda, Mazda impress, Haval breaks record in market up 0.8%

One year ago: Russia March 2020: Skoda, Toyota help lift market up 4%

Full March 2021 Top 50 All-brands and Top 25 models below.